Forward Deployed Senior Data Scientist

Role overview

Lead the design and delivery of AI and data science solutions for complex defense and national security challenges. The work combines analysis of government and commercial datasets with rapid development of scalable systems, including large language model and agentic applications. You will translate operational needs into technical plans, work across research and engineering teams, and help guide the direction and quality of AI delivery.

Responsibilities

- Lead AI projects from scoping and architecture through implementation and delivery, keeping work aligned with strategic goals. - Analyze complex datasets to identify useful relationships, risks, and decision-support insights. - Build and deploy production-ready AI systems that integrate with client data platforms and workflows. - Develop scalable AI and machine learning platforms, including solutions tailored to customer needs. - Design evaluation approaches for AI deployments and agentic systems. - Coordinate with AI research, data engineering, software teams, and customers; mentor colleagues and share effective practices.

Requirements

- U.S. citizenship and strong knowledge of the national security domain. - Deep expertise in AI, machine learning, and data science, including current large language model and agentic approaches. - Ability to define system architecture and roadmaps, and turn broad requirements into actionable technical plans. - Experience delivering AI systems into production and integrating them into existing data platforms and workflows. - Ability to manage project lifecycle, delivery timelines, and collaboration across technical teams. - Strong written and spoken communication, including explaining complex AI concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Nice to have

A strong research publication record in AI, machine learning, NLP, or decision science; experience evaluating LLMs or agentic systems, fine-tuning or post-training models, and operating large-scale models with cloud MLOps; or a record of turning research prototypes into reliable enterprise products.

Benefits and work setup

Full-time role based in Arlington, Virginia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or remote. Travel may reach 60%.